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K&N filter review for w203
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 545
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From: Northeast
e300d
I installed a K and N filter a year ago and it started running rough after about a month. I brought it into a dealer (Smythe on Stevens Creek in San Jose, CA) and they charged me $240 to clean the MAF and change the filters since it voided the warranty.
I was surfing today and saw this site info. I just called K and N...they were really nice and got my info. A warranty claim was filed so I hope I get some money back??? I doubt it but you never know.
I'll let you all know if I ever get some money back!!
Dave
I was surfing today and saw this site info. I just called K and N...they were really nice and got my info. A warranty claim was filed so I hope I get some money back??? I doubt it but you never know.
I'll let you all know if I ever get some money back!!
Dave
FWIW: BOSCH MAFS re-sellers luv K&N air "filters"
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
02 C230 Coupe
Freakin A
My K&N filter is sitting on my door step at this moment for me to install...and my stock one is totally clogged....
What if you drive your car from work to home for a couple days (highway) w/o an air filter....how BAD actually is it. I know it could be potientially horrible results....
My K&N filter is sitting on my door step at this moment for me to install...and my stock one is totally clogged....
What if you drive your car from work to home for a couple days (highway) w/o an air filter....how BAD actually is it. I know it could be potientially horrible results....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 1
From: stix of florida
Honda Grom
I have used K&N's for years now....... no problems in any of my cars. I think some of the problem might be when people clean their filters and don't know how to properly oil them. My gas mileage actually went up, so I can't jump ship and start screaming about a coverup/conspiracy. Either way, I have been here long enough to be classified as an OG and I still don't have any oil residue after almost 5 years. I just checked the filter out a few days ago and the only disturbing thing was a small rodent had lodged itself in the duct and it's head had come off in the airbox. *shudder* That was a disgusting cleanup, even if it was "dried" like beef jerkey... 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
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From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
Enkei,
you are better off running on the old clogged filter, than on none at all. The potential for catastrophic damage is just not worth the risk.
FWIW, I have run a K&N for at least 30k miles, and no problems.
E
you are better off running on the old clogged filter, than on none at all. The potential for catastrophic damage is just not worth the risk.
FWIW, I have run a K&N for at least 30k miles, and no problems.
E
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 1
From: stix of florida
Honda Grom
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 1
From: stix of florida
Honda Grom
Freakin A
My K&N filter is sitting on my door step at this moment for me to install...and my stock one is totally clogged....
What if you drive your car from work to home for a couple days (highway) w/o an air filter....how BAD actually is it. I know it could be potientially horrible results....
My K&N filter is sitting on my door step at this moment for me to install...and my stock one is totally clogged....
What if you drive your car from work to home for a couple days (highway) w/o an air filter....how BAD actually is it. I know it could be potientially horrible results....
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Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,692
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From: So Cal.
2019 GT3 RS, 2017 M3 30 Jahre
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,684
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From: West Los Angeles
Midnight Blue 2004.5 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan. 2002 w210 E320, 2009 w211 E350 Sport
As long as I don't have to touch the mf'er, I'm cool with looking at pics. Maybe post it on photobucket and send me the link.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,543
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
excites your girlfriend
I opened mine up yesterday and didn't notice any oil on inside but there was alot of black dusty crap on the outside and a ton of sand in the bottom of the airbox. i wiped it all out and put it back in.
urban myth.
lol you try it for a few thousand miles and then let us know how your engine swap goes!
urban myth.
Freakin A
My K&N filter is sitting on my door step at this moment for me to install...and my stock one is totally clogged....
What if you drive your car from work to home for a couple days (highway) w/o an air filter....how BAD actually is it. I know it could be potientially horrible results....
My K&N filter is sitting on my door step at this moment for me to install...and my stock one is totally clogged....
What if you drive your car from work to home for a couple days (highway) w/o an air filter....how BAD actually is it. I know it could be potientially horrible results....
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
2002 C32, 2011 VW GTI
Figured I'd bump this thread. I went to put a Green filter in the car today and, low and behold, the thing doesn't fit correctly! It doesn't fit squarely in the plastic top like the stock one does and, if you place it on the lower portion of the air box, you can see that it leaves a small gap at the front or rear portion! Nice little pathway for grit to get into your supercharger.
I double checked the part number and it's the one recommended for the 2002-04 C32. Even says that on the boxes. Way to go Green!
I dropped the stock one back in and will get a new pair, from the MB dealer -- and do the job all over again. And FYI, the part number for the Fram filter is wrong for this car too. Fram Part Number CA8768 does NOT fit the C32 air box. It is way too large.
Just one more reason to ignore the "performance" filter hype. What a major waste of my f'ing time today.
I double checked the part number and it's the one recommended for the 2002-04 C32. Even says that on the boxes. Way to go Green!
I dropped the stock one back in and will get a new pair, from the MB dealer -- and do the job all over again. And FYI, the part number for the Fram filter is wrong for this car too. Fram Part Number CA8768 does NOT fit the C32 air box. It is way too large.
Just one more reason to ignore the "performance" filter hype. What a major waste of my f'ing time today.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
I guess I'm going to be one of the lone guys who is Pro K&N...
My K&N’s resulted in a ~tenth and a MPH improvement at the dragstrip during back-to-back testing, when compared against fresh OE filters. Visualize a car-length margin versus the other guy during a 660’ sanctioned (off-highway) acceleration contest. Since I’d run out of otherwise seemingly cheap and easy HP increases, a pair from Amazon for only $47.76 were too enticing to dismiss.
Caveat regarding Green filters:
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit dsb
Disclaimer: I have yet to submit another motor oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories for analysis since their installation. I’ll share before/after results in due course.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
2002 C32, 2011 VW GTI
I stand corrected. They do indeed serve their purpose.
My K&N’s resulted in a ~tenth and a MPH improvement at the dragstrip during back-to-back testing, when compared against fresh OE filters. Visualize a car-length margin versus the other guy during a 660’ sanctioned (off-highway) acceleration contest. Since I’d run out of otherwise seemingly cheap and easy HP increases, a pair from Amazon for only $47.76 were too enticing to dismiss.
Caveat regarding Green filters:
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit dsb
Disclaimer: I have yet to submit another motor oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories for analysis since their installation. I’ll share before/after results in due course.
My K&N’s resulted in a ~tenth and a MPH improvement at the dragstrip during back-to-back testing, when compared against fresh OE filters. Visualize a car-length margin versus the other guy during a 660’ sanctioned (off-highway) acceleration contest. Since I’d run out of otherwise seemingly cheap and easy HP increases, a pair from Amazon for only $47.76 were too enticing to dismiss.
Caveat regarding Green filters:
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit dsb
Disclaimer: I have yet to submit another motor oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories for analysis since their installation. I’ll share before/after results in due course.
Was that because you couldn't fit it in there normally and had to cram it down? As I said, I couldn't get mine to fit square. When I'd force it into the lid portion, the front and rear edges would rest on the plastic "lips" so it wouldn't sit flush. When I'd put it in the case, I got a little gap at the front or rear edge. No way I was taking the chance. If I tried to cram the lid on there, it would have probably shoved the filter into the air box, like in your photograph.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 8
From: Pasadena, CA
2002 C230K, 2013 BMW 328, 2015 BMW X5
I stand corrected. They do indeed serve their purpose.
My K&N’s resulted in a ~tenth and a MPH improvement at the dragstrip during back-to-back testing, when compared against fresh OE filters. Visualize a car-length margin versus the other guy during a 660’ sanctioned (off-highway) acceleration contest. Since I’d run out of otherwise seemingly cheap and easy HP increases, a pair from Amazon for only $47.76 were too enticing to dismiss.
Caveat regarding Green filters:
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit dsb
Disclaimer: I have yet to submit another motor oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories for analysis since their installation. I’ll share before/after results in due course.
My K&N’s resulted in a ~tenth and a MPH improvement at the dragstrip during back-to-back testing, when compared against fresh OE filters. Visualize a car-length margin versus the other guy during a 660’ sanctioned (off-highway) acceleration contest. Since I’d run out of otherwise seemingly cheap and easy HP increases, a pair from Amazon for only $47.76 were too enticing to dismiss.
Caveat regarding Green filters:
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit Rafal
Photo credit dsb
Disclaimer: I have yet to submit another motor oil sample to Blackstone Laboratories for analysis since their installation. I’ll share before/after results in due course.
I know you are competent and thorough wrench. This can only be a manufacture defect.
When did this happen?
E
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
Thankfully, no. Those pictures were originally posted by E55 victims.
I never went with the Greens for just those reasons. Supposedly their latest renditions are new and improved. Who knows? Far be it for me to be a intake system debris test case. No disrespect intended toward any of our forum sponsors.
In the spirit of full disclosure, it’s only fair to remind the W203 contingent that the C32’s DME is signaled with a MAP, as opposed to the seemingly universal MAF.
I never went with the Greens for just those reasons. Supposedly their latest renditions are new and improved. Who knows? Far be it for me to be a intake system debris test case. No disrespect intended toward any of our forum sponsors.
In the spirit of full disclosure, it’s only fair to remind the W203 contingent that the C32’s DME is signaled with a MAP, as opposed to the seemingly universal MAF.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 0
2002 C32, 2011 VW GTI
Thankfully, no. Those pictures were originally posted by E55 victims.
I never went with the Greens for just those reasons. Supposedly their latest renditions are new and improved. Who knows? Far be it for me to be a intake system debris test case. No disrespect intended toward any of our forum sponsors.
In the spirit of full disclosure, it’s only fair to remind the W203 contingent that the C32’s DME is signaled with a MAP, as opposed to the seemingly universal MAF.
I never went with the Greens for just those reasons. Supposedly their latest renditions are new and improved. Who knows? Far be it for me to be a intake system debris test case. No disrespect intended toward any of our forum sponsors.
In the spirit of full disclosure, it’s only fair to remind the W203 contingent that the C32’s DME is signaled with a MAP, as opposed to the seemingly universal MAF.
I intend no disrespect either but you'd think that for 100 bucks for two filters, they could at least make them fit correctly, sheesh.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,265
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Was that car length with a new, or used paper air filter?
Just put in a new one...oild one didn't look bad, but wtf,
they only cost 10-15 bucks, and it had been on there for 1,5 years.
I thought about y'all with your oily filters, soaking, cleaning the mess out of the intake, and re-oiling, and I quietly smiled to myself as I deposited the old filter in the gar-bage... :-) and wondered how the guy who bought my ITG off ebay is doing...
Just put in a new one...oild one didn't look bad, but wtf,
they only cost 10-15 bucks, and it had been on there for 1,5 years.
I thought about y'all with your oily filters, soaking, cleaning the mess out of the intake, and re-oiling, and I quietly smiled to myself as I deposited the old filter in the gar-bage... :-) and wondered how the guy who bought my ITG off ebay is doing...
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
mercedes benz c180
sorry it is so late as i have only just become a member however i am not new to the forum i just enjoy reading all the posts. my opinion on the subject is as follows...
K&N give the statement you have all read probably more than once, they are talking about maf sensors under warrenty (see where i am going) your cars are not under any manufactureres warrenties still as they are to old so when the filter does cloud maf sensor who are you going to winge to??? K&N? i think not they said it does not affect the maf sensor. the only people who will be interested will be merc so that they can SELL you a new one as the could not care less what was at fault because your car is no longer under warrenty.
K&N think like this in my opinion... maybe 5 out of 100 cars are going to be under manufacturers warrenty and only 0.1 out of 100 will plague the maf sensor so what are the odds the plagued car being under warrenty
this is the first thread in 3 years which i actually made me sign up
happy new year pardon thespelling mistakes
K&N give the statement you have all read probably more than once, they are talking about maf sensors under warrenty (see where i am going) your cars are not under any manufactureres warrenties still as they are to old so when the filter does cloud maf sensor who are you going to winge to??? K&N? i think not they said it does not affect the maf sensor. the only people who will be interested will be merc so that they can SELL you a new one as the could not care less what was at fault because your car is no longer under warrenty.
K&N think like this in my opinion... maybe 5 out of 100 cars are going to be under manufacturers warrenty and only 0.1 out of 100 will plague the maf sensor so what are the odds the plagued car being under warrenty
this is the first thread in 3 years which i actually made me sign up
happy new year
pardon thespelling mistakes
